White Paper - Conversion of the EISCAT VHF antenna into the Troms Space Debris Radar

There is a need for space-debris monitoring capability both for European agencies and commercial operators. It has been identified that it may be possible to convert an existing facility (the EISCAT VHF system) when it reaches the end of its life as a scientific instrument.The EISCAT VHF system is a large 40x120-metre cylindrical parabola, split into four panels which can be independently steered in elevation. The system would be upgraded to high-frequency and operated as a set of four multi-altitude "fences" to provide European space debris coverage. The intent is to utilise it as a radar for measuring the orbits of objects in space, assuming that there is a strong enough business case. This concept is referred to as the Troms Space Debris Radar (TSDR). This paper discusses the existing arrangements,outlines the concept of the conversion and examines the need case for such a system. It also suggests a roadmap for possible implementation.